In vivo evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of tinospora rumphii topical spray in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a topical spray containing Tinospora rumphii (Heavenly elixir) extract on carrageenan-induced paw edema in male rats. Inflammation is a persistent global health concern. Traditional medicine in the Philippines frequently uses herbal plants to address common illnesses, and Tinospora rumphii has been explored for its anti-inflammatory potential. The topical spray was developed with varying concentrations (1%, 5% and 10%) of Tinospora rumphii extract, along with other pharmaceutical components and ethanol as a vehicle. All treatment groups, the Tinospora rumphii formulations, a positive control (diclofenac sodium spray), and a placebo spray, successfully reduced paw edema, restoring the paw size to baseline during the observation periods of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours. Results indicate significant differences within treatments over time, as well as notable differences among the treatments across the same period. While all achieved a full reduction in inflammation, the time required for this varied among the treatments. The Tinospora rumphii spray at a particular concentration demonstrated the quickest anti-inflammatory effect, reaching maximum reduction notably faster than other concentrations, the positive control, and the placebo. Specifically, one Tinospora rumphii concentration exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to the positive control in terms of the time taken for the paw edema to return to its original size. These findings indicate the efficacy of Tinospora rumphii as a viable anti-inflammatory medication. The results of the study will be a basis for future researchers to explore more about the properties of the plant as an anti-inflammatory.